US Communications Fellow

Position description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Marketing & Mobilization

Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) is a dynamic team that is tasked with building the IRC’s global profile and brand, increasing private revenue from deeper donor engagement and partnerships, and influencing our target audiences. The team is responsible for all of IRC's brand, communications, creative and content and digital engagement efforts. In alignment with our Strategy100 commitments, M&M has launched compelling multi-year campaigns that raise funding, profile and influence and will improve our share of voice and resonance in key geographies and globally. Lastly, they consistently work on innovating the IRC brand, which enables us to increase awareness, understanding of and support for our work so that we can raise more money and change policies to improve our crisis-affected clients’ lives around the world.

Global Public Affairs & Communications

Global Public Affairs, a part of the Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) team, targets priority IRC markets and audiences to advance and protect our policy goals, brand and profile. It's a key part of external messaging and product development, distribution and coordination for External Relations. The team uses proactive and reactive earned media (broadcast, digital & print) to support policy and income objectives, while also using frontline storytelling to advance our cause.

Job Overview:

The USA Communications Fellow is a highly motivated individual who is interested in getting hands-on experience in issue and campaign strategy, communications and/or media advocacy for the International Rescue Committee’s mission and work across our over 40 country programs, including our USA Programs. S/he must have a genuine interest in the humanitarian aid world and in public relations, turning stories into headlines and impactful social media posts across the US market. S/he will support on several ongoing or expanding outreach campaigns and strategic initiatives, as well as collaborating on other media/influencer relations and communications projects. The Fellow will play a key role in supporting IRC’s global media relations systems and processes, updating our media and influencer database and collaborating on newsworthy angles representative of the organization and press landscape. A passion for international relations and media is essential for the role. At the conclusion the Fellow will be expected to complete an independent project on US media/influencer trends and IRC issues.

Major Responsibilities:

• Support in the execution of high-level communications tactics, media and new media relations
• Build reports, update press lists, gather media clips, conduct media analyses and research projects, and copyedit.
• Monitor key angles and developments within the news cycle, social media and advocacy circles.
• Assist in outreach and relationship development with influencers and social media news outlets.
• Internally pitch fresh news angles with the guidance of the Communications/Senior Communications Officer.
• Under the direction of their manager and US Communications Team, proactively reach out to external stakeholders on new angles, provide support on interviews, and develop the foundations for talking points.
• Assist with a variety of communications, digital and team-related assignments and tasks as necessary.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Development Value:

• Receive mentorship and opportunities to collaborate with Public Affairs & Programs professionals across a highly matrixed, global humanitarian non-profit organization.
• Develop PR and International Affairs industry knowledge, experience, and skills that can be applied to a variety of different roles and careers.
• Learn industry standard tools.
• Gain experience with project management and presentation of complex information that will influence strategic decisions and change efforts across the global media team.
• Access to over 400+ self-directed online courses developed by the IRC and other humanitarian organizations and companies.
• Opportunity to join listening sessions and department meetings to develop an understanding of the IRC and the global humanitarian aid, relief, and development sector.
• Develop a professional network and join the growing talent pipeline at the IRC.

Key Working Relationships:

Reports to: Communications Officer, US International Media

Key Internal Relationships:

• US Media Team: USA Communications Director, Associate Director, and US Communications and Public Affairs Manager.
• Public Affairs Team: GCRC (Asia, LATAM, MENA, and Europe) Associate Directors/Senior Officers, Digital Engagement (Director and Senior Officers) and UK Media Market Officers.

Job Requirements:

• Currently enrolled or recently completed undergraduate program. Relevant studies include, but are not limited to, communications, marketing, political science, and international studies.
• Interest in and familiarity with global humanitarian system, international relations, and/or U.S. refugee, asylum, and integration issues.
• Strong research, analytical, and reporting skills. Ability to multi-task and prioritize various tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work productively in a team environment as well as under minimal supervision, taking the initiative to ask questions as needed.
• Lived experience with conflict or crisis-driven displacement, resettlement, asylum, immigration or migration is an asset in this role

Qualifications

• Interest or prior knowledge in International Relations, Political Science, Human Rights, Humanitarian Issues and the US/Global Media Landscape is encouraged.
• Must be an undergraduate rising Junior/Senior or Postgraduate Student.
• Preferably had previous work or internship experience. Candidates with professional, academic and extra curricular experience in social media, media, communications and/or advocacy are highly encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong research skills and ability to analyze core trends within the US and international news cycle. Interest in engagement with social media platforms and influencers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including conveying clear messaging to maximize audience engagement and understanding
• Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities on deadline and in a timely manner
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
• Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in working in a constantly evolving environment
• Ability and commitment to the highest ethical standards including maintaining confidentiality
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills
• Knowledge of spoken and written French, Arabic, Spanish and/or another IRC language a distinct advantage

Working Environment:

• Standard hybrid office environment. The Fellow is expected to be in-person at least two days a week.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $21) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Application instructions

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